Flybe restores axed Manchester connections

Flybe is restoring several routes from Manchester Airport which had been axed following the carrier's takeover of BA Connect in 2007.

After acquiring the loss-making regional arm of British Airways, the no-frills airline promptly withdrew services to the Spanish capital Madrid and the French city of Lyon.

But chief executive Mike Rutter now says conditions are right to reintroduce the connections, which he believes will be profitable despite the challenges facing the industry.

While high fuel prices and tightened competition have forced most airlines to cut services and raise fares, Flybe appears confident that now is the right time for expansion.

Rutter explained to The Manchester Evening News that when the airline acquired BA Connect it was losing £43 million a year and sorely needed reduced capacity.

Insisting conditions have changed, he added: "Manchester remains a key hub for us and we are aiming to increase passenger numbers from a million last year to around 1.5 million over the next 12 months."

In addition to the resumed services, Flybe also plans to introduce new flights to Amsterdam, Hamburg and Stuttgart.

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